Associate Director, Cancer Center at Aga Khan University (AKU)

Job Summary

The Aga Khan University is looking for a highly visionary and innovative individual to fill the position of Associate Director of the AKU Cancer Center with co-responsibility for the CRU. Reporting to the Director, AKU Cancer Center, he/she will lead the strategic planning, and administrative operations of the center's mission. This leadership role will be pivotal in advancing the Cancer Center’s goals as well as ensuring a robust clinical trials program, a platform of peer reviewed grants, and alignment with institutional objectives. This position will drive initiatives that enhance cancer research, clinical trials, cancer awareness, cancer prevention & control, cancer education, partnerships and community outreach. This is a full-time position to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Support the development and execution of the Cancer Center's strategic plan; identify and integrate trends in cancer research and clinical trials into initiatives; facilitate partnerships in research; oversee stakeholder engagement with faculty, staff, patients, and external partners; and engage pharmaceutical partners to advance clinical trial activities.
• Administrative Leadership: Together with the Director, oversee the Cancer Center operations to ensure efficiency; mentor administrative staff, fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Program Development and Implementation: Support the creation and evaluation of new programs in cancer research, clinical trials, and prevention, ensuring they meet the established goals.
• Clinical Research Unit (CRU) Leadership: Provide strategic leadership for the CRU core facility; engage pharmaceutical sponsors to enhance clinical trial acquisition; collaborate with stakeholders to meet research needs; and implement policies promoting ethics, quality, and compliance.
• Strategy Execution: Translate strategic plans into actionable projects, developing metrics to monitor progress.
• Partnerships and External Relations: Build relationships with research partners, donors, and government agencies; represent the Center in institutional planning and community engagement efforts; and secure funding through grants and philanthropy.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation for operations and strategies.
• Leadership and Culture: Promote the Center’s values, fostering a patient-centered, inclusive, and innovative environment for staff and faculty.

Requirements

• A MD/PhD in a healthcare related field with at least 5 years of experience in leadership in a clinical research environment; or 
• A Bachelor or Master’s degree in a clinical or health related field with at least 10 years of experience in strategic management in the area of clinical operations, clinical research, and clinical trials;
• Ideally over 5 years experience as a principle investigator leading a clinical trials program;
• Proven experience in strategic planning, administration, and operations management in a clinical research environment in academia or pharma;
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage large, multidisciplinary teams;
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills; 
• Knowledge of oncology care, clinical research, and clinical trial operations would be an advantage.

Desired Personal Characteristics and Behaviour:

• Strategic and visionary thinker, adept at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical standards.